40: Mormons, Demons, and Exorcisms [The OTHER World Series]

Demon possession seemed to make its inroads into Mormonism right away. This Mormon church study pub linked below highlights what was happening in Kirtland Ohio, 1831:

Doctrine and Covenants: Student Manual [Mormon pub admits Romney ancestor was demon-possessed]

It also mentioned an Lds "apostle" being demon-possessed -- causing a generic comment from Smith as a "revelation" July 23, 1837.

Interesting that a week after -- July 30 -- a would-be Mormon counselor (one of the top three hierarchists in the Mormon church) became demon-possessed in Preston, England:

"I don't know whether or not you are familiar with the vision that some of the brethren -- Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde and others of the brethren--had when they were in Preston, England, when the British Mission was first opened. At that time a vision of the hosts of the devil were opened to their view, and they saw the spirit bodies of a great concourse of the hosts of evil...That experience was so excruciating to them--the power and influence that those evil spirits had on their own bodies that physically housed their spirits, was so tremendous they almost lost all the strength they had. One of the brethren was so overcome by the power of evil that these vile spirits had, that he laid on the floor without any strength for some time."

(Source: Bountiful Second Ward Chapel, Aug. 12, 1949 "Disembodied Spirit Life" section of Life Eternal: A Series of Four Lectures Lynn A. McKinlay, Deseret Book Co. 1972, pp. 194-195...Note: Deseret Book Co. is owned by the Mormon Church)

Note: This Web site has other direct written journals about the demons present: Discovering LDS Preston - Satanic Attack

Index of D&C Study Manual (p. 505) says: Pratt, Parley P. evil spirit possessed, 112:11-12 July 23 1837 ... Preston England is July 30, 1837

1 posted on 10/29/2013 1:23:38 PM PDT by Colofornian

The THREE MINUTES' HATE for today, folks ! Half truths, outright falsehoods, distortions and bigotry galore !

2 posted on 10/29/2013 1:53:15 PM PDT by jimt (Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed.)

Why OH WHY??? DO you post FACTS about Mormonism? Why OH WHY?? DO you quote their sources and historical references? Obviously, posting facts is hatred! Not simply painting mormonism as "nice people and great boy scouts" is hatred.! I bet you don't even have any hobbies!!!

3 posted on 10/29/2013 1:54:23 PM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion (I grew up in America. I now live in the United States..)

Demon possession seemed to make its inroads into Mormonism right away.

Ya think?????

4 posted on 10/29/2013 1:55:20 PM PDT by metmom ( ...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith....)

“The THREE MINUTES’ HATE for today, folks ! Half truths, outright falsehoods, distortions and bigotry galore !”

Yea!!!! Anyway!!!!

Point out the parts that are false, half truths, distortions and bigotry!!!

Really teach the Colofornian a lesson!!!!!!

5 posted on 10/29/2013 1:55:37 PM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion (I grew up in America. I now live in the United States..)

Such as?

You have anything more substantial than generalized accusations?

6 posted on 10/29/2013 1:56:25 PM PDT by metmom ( ...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith....)

Unless you’re prepared to provide proof of such claims, I do believe we’re witnessing an Alinskyite troglodyte in action.

7 posted on 10/29/2013 2:10:18 PM PDT by SZonian (Throwing our allegiances to political parties in the long run gave away our liberty.)

I don’t understand why I hear so many attacks towards Mormons and JW’s.

I certainly do not hold their theology, but they are pretty much as harmless to our culture. From what I see, the largest, and most dangerous religion of today is liberal secularism.

Most JW’s and Mormons tend to have strong conservative family values.

I wish I could have every member of a “Church of Christ” church or Methodist church replaced with a Mormon or JW.

8 posted on 10/29/2013 2:21:26 PM PDT by MNDude

From a mormon...

George A. Smith - "If a faith will not bear to be investigated; if its preachers and professors are afraid to have it examined, their foundation must be very weak." Journal of Discourses, vol. 14, p. 216 (1871)

9 posted on 10/29/2013 2:42:01 PM PDT by SZonian (Throwing our allegiances to political parties in the long run gave away our liberty.)

A new The OTHER World Series thread just posted: The Doctrine and Covenants [132:17: Non-abiding 'angels' remain with Mormon god, said Smith]

In this thread, Joseph Smith gives a revelation that sinful angels (demons) remain with the Mormon god forever...

Comment #2 mentions two Lds leaders saying:
* 'Lucifer was one of us...'
* '...we knew Lucifer...we knew very well'

The first quote is from an Lds "Prophet"; the second from a book published by the Mormon church.

10 posted on 10/29/2013 2:44:27 PM PDT by Colofornian

I no doubt these religions probably are based on weak and even false foundations.

I’m just saying “who would you rather be your son’s teacher at high school? Some devout Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness, or some militant secularist?”

11 posted on 10/29/2013 2:49:19 PM PDT by MNDude

The 13 Articles of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

13 Articles of Faith
1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

12 posted on 10/29/2013 2:58:08 PM PDT by Dr. Zzyzx

Name the hate.
Name the half truths.
name the bigotry.
Name the falsehoods.
Put up your claims........

13 posted on 10/29/2013 3:25:09 PM PDT by svcw (Not 'hope and change' but 'dopes in chains' obama's America)

To: Dr. Zzyzx; All

The 13 Articles of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Articles of Faith Lds	Deconstructed Articles of Faith [Yes, this column is pure satire]	If this article of faith was true, then...
LDS Article 1: “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”	I believed in Joseph the Stone-Peeping Polygamist, in his fictitious book and in the changing doctrine. [brian-the-christ poster submission on another Web site]	...this Mormon confessional creed would actually confess that Lds believe in many -- as in multiple gods. But since that would have been kind of "off-putting" in 19th-century America, they didn't mention the "council of gods" referenced in the Pearl of Great Price -- nor does this article highlight the potential "millions" more "gods" who are "ex-mortals." (My, how convenient to present such lapses more openly to the public)
Article 2: “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.”	2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, such as murdering or drinking tea, and not for Adam's transgression, unless you were a Negro and died before 1978, in which case you were punished and cursed for the sins of Cain, or for what you did in the pre-existence. [poster Deconstructor on another site]	...the flip side of this is simple: The Mormon Jesus didn't die for your personal sins -- just the original sin of Adam, especially if you're not a Mormon! [Continue to Article 3 for more on this!]
Article 3: “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”	[Still in research mode on this one]	...the atonement, per Mormonism, doesn't heal unless you're a fully obedient person? Furthermore, other Lds leaders are on record saying the atonement doesn't apply to personal sins unless you're an Lds church member & have undergone other Lds ordinances, etc. When the Mormon leaders talk about the atonement's effects, they usually don't emphasize its effect for non-Mormons. Instead, the emphasis is on Mormon membership; Mormon ordinances; Mormon temple activity, etc. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Let's break this one down into two parts: We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved. Lds "prophet" Spencer W. Kimball: Of course we need to understand terms. If by the word 'salvation' is meant the mere salvation or redemption from the grave, the 'grace of God' is sufficient... (Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 207) IOW, Lds believe all will be resurrected because of the atonement...What they tend to "de-emphasize" , however, is Jesus' words in John 5:29: And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. IOW, Lds make it sound like it's so great for all to be "resurrected." Reminder: "damnation" is NOT a "degree of glory." ...by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel Back to Kimball: But if the term 'salvation' means returning to the presence of God with eternal progression, eternal increase, and eventual godhood, for this one certainly must have the "grace of God," as it is generally defined, plus personal purity, overcoming of evil, and the good 'works' made so important in the exhortations of the Savior and his prophets and apostles. (Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 207-208) IOW: You have to audition for godhood with a grand resume' of good works! Another Lds "prophet," Joseph F. Smith said: "There is no hope of everlasting life but through obedience to the law..." Gospel Doctrine, p. 503 [Lds are trusting in their ability to obey the law to earn godhood]
Article 4: “We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”	We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in Joseph Smith; second, Faith in the current version of the Book of Mormon; third, Payment of tithing for the remission of sins; fourth, Repentance for not paying tithing (but only if you catch up); fifth, Blind obedience to the current prophet and to your husband, if you are a woman…[poster deconstructor on another site]	...who is being glorified again? Faith? Hey, we can't confess Jesus is Lord in hostile environments "except by the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:3); hence, he gets all the credit! Repentance? 100% due to the Lord's kindness, per Romans 2:4...repentance is something PURELY granted/gifted by God per Acts 5:31; 11:18. So who gets all the credit? God again! Baptism? Laying on of hands? Always described in the New Testament as a passive action -- something done to you. Certainly, the one baptized or receiving a laying on of hands cannot garner any credit here, right? And at least the "gift of the Holy Ghost" has it right...Yes, what He gives is pure give...not earned, merited, qualified for, or "self-'worthied'"!
Article 5: “We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.”	[Still in research mode on this one]	...if John the apostle is still alive roaming the earth somewhere, as Mormons claim in their "scriptures," why isn't he listed as an Lds "general authority?" Why, therefore, has the Lds church stripped him of his apostolic authority?
Article 6: “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.”	We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, moneychangers in the temple, Young Men/Women leaders, Relief Society Presidents, Stake Mission Presidents, Young Single Adults Group Leaders, Elders Quorum Presidents, First Counselor to the President and so forth. We also believe that the primitive name for the church was "Corporation of the President." [poster Deconstructor on another site]	...where are Mormon pastors? Lds claim Jesus had a dozen original disciples in the Middle East + another dozen in America. My math tells me that's 24. Why does the Lds Church have only a "Quorum of the 12" then? Shouldn't they have a "Quorum of the 24?" I can't find stake presidents, stakes, high councilors, unmarried 12 yo deacons, general authorities, presidents, or wards in the Bible. (I thought it was supposed to be a "restoration" of the original -- like Heb. 8:5 indicates?)
Article 7: “We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.”	We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, faith-healing, interpretation of tongues, tearing out of tongues when you divulge endowment secrets, and so forth. [deconstructor]	...the Lds have charismatic or pentecostal Mormons? If so, where?
Article 8: “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”	”IT owns the copyright to the JST and (curiously) the SLC group does NOT include it in their 'Standard Works' of scripture. [which is odd since their Articles of Faith (creedal statement) proclaims that they believe the KJV bible as long as it is translated correctly. I'd think that since GOD Himself gave JS the mission to do exactly that - the Western bunch of MORMONs would call it SCRIPTURE.But, alas, they don't.”(FR poster Elsie, 6/30/2010)	(Yeah, we know...that's why Joseph "re-worded" many parts of it & you offer that re-worded version everywhere in bookstores, from the SLC home office, etc....No? You don't? Didn't God tell Joseph several times in Doctrine & Covenants to "finish the translation?" Was Joseph disobedient? Then why isn't the JST published & distributed widely by the Lds church?)
Article 9: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”	9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God (which may differ greatly from what He has previously revealed)…[poster deconstructor on another site]	...Except for one thing: You're always supposed to judge alleged "latter" revelations by the former ones. (That's what made the Bereans "noble" in Acts 17:11). Instead, Lds judge the former revelations by the "latter" ones -- and therefore flunk both exegesis and hermeneutics.
Article 10: “We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.”	10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent or the Middle East; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. We also believe that our blood may be miraculously changed to that of the Tribe of Ephraim. [poster Deconstructor on another site]	...(Yeah, we know...supposedly, Jesus will come back in Missouri, which is where Mormons also say the original Genesis garden is stashed away -- and he'll come back on a piece of property where Smith prophesied Temple Lot would be built -- only Lds don't even own the land!) As for ...that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; (Yeah, we know, and Lds apostle Bruce R. McConkie says in "Mormon Doctrine" that the Mormon Jesus will re-institute polygamy when he returns)
Article 11: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”	11. We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience as dictated by the President of the Church, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship however incorrectly, wherever wrongly, or whatever idolatrous beings they may, since Protestant ministers are hirelings of Satan. [poster deconstructor on another site]	What? Mormons believe that smoking peyote or something more -- if done under a religious conviction -- is a "privilege" unto man and that God sanctions people "worship[ing] how...or what...may"??? Does that include Manasseh & others engaging in child sacrifice in the OT? Or what about prostitutes @ some of the pagan temples? This is a god who sanctions every manner of "worshiping" even other gods to the point He's willing to build an "article of faith" around it? Wow! (Mormons are pretty liberal, after all) The next time a head-hunting, head-shrinker or voodoo FR thread comes up, you Mormons be sure to peep up and "bless" that with your "article of faith" endorsement, too. For some reason, the Mormon god contrasts the god of the Bible: "You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods." (Deut. 12:31)
Article 12: “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”	12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law, unless the law of the land violates the law of God as dictated by the President of the Church, such as in prohibiting the marrying of more than one woman. [poster deconstructor on another site]	...yeah, agreement-wise -- at least to the point Smith catered to slavery in D&C 134:12 -- but then "no" to the point that they carried on polygamy for 75 years. (BTW, if a Mormon takes D&C 134:12 literally, it means that they can't share even their truncated Mormon "gospel" version with a sex slave today that's in bondage to the worldwide trafficking industry in today's world!)
Article 13: “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul – We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”	13. We believe in being honest except when lying for the Lord, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe all things that the Church President tells us, we hope all things, we have endured many things such as changes in Church teachings and conflicting revelations, and hope to be able to endure all things… [Poster deconstructor on another site]	...We believe in being honest.. (Except it seems to conveniently involve covering up the "rest of the story" that these charts represent about the Mormon belief system!)

Note, the "contributions" in the middle column above by the poster "Deconstructor" are excerpted from his 2011 satire: BREAKING: Church announces updated 13 Articles of Faith at General Conference

14 posted on 10/29/2013 3:54:39 PM PDT by Colofornian

Elsie, you are quoted on “Article 8” — middle column — so a heads-up!

15 posted on 10/29/2013 4:01:17 PM PDT by Colofornian

“I certainly do not hold their theology, but they are pretty much as harmless to our culture.”

Culture is a minor concern compared to the deception of mormonism or JWism that can send a soul to hell for eternity...

16 posted on 10/29/2013 4:50:06 PM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion (I grew up in America. I now live in the United States..)

don’t understand why I hear so many attacks towards Mormons and JW’s. I certainly do not hold their theology, but they are pretty much as harmless to our culture. From what I see, the largest, and most dangerous religion of today is liberal secularism. Most JW’s and Mormons tend to have strong conservative family values.

Don't we take our cultural cue from a certain "Lord" named Jesus Christ? Who are we to follow when it comes to setting cultural priorities? Jesus? or you?

Here's Jesus:

"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." (Luke 12:4-5)

So does Jesus say, "fear liberal secularism?" (No)
Instead, does He say to exercise fear of the One who has authority to cast somebody into hell? (Yes)
So, indeed, our "fear" is on behalf of those who are placing their eternal spiritual lives at risk.

(Besides, others of us actually know how to multi-task in opposing counterfeit worldviews.)

...they are pretty much as harmless to our culture.

#1...False shepherds & personality cults (Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, etc.) have NEVER been harmless to the culture of God's kingdom...

The apostle Paul's perspective:

28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. (Acts 20)

#2...Cults leading some to the "culture of hell" is quite problematic...hell's a place where the fires will make earth's problems look like a simple backyard bonfire.

17 posted on 10/29/2013 4:53:47 PM PDT by Colofornian

The articles of faith leave out most of the bizarre things mormonism teaches...

Here is an example of what one article looks like when full disclosure is involved:

The Articles of Faith
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. [We also believe God, the Eternal Father used to be a created spirit being who became a sinful man and later became God the Father. We also believe Jesus Christ was a created spirit being, who later became a man and later became a mormon god. We also believe the Holy Ghost was a created spirit being, who never got a body because he sinned. We also believe these are three separate gods and not ONE God, as the Bible talks about. Also, since they were all created spirit beings, some of which got bodies on earth before becoming mormon gods, they used to not be eternal, but now they are eternal. We also believe there is a Heavenly Mother God, well, at least one, maybe more than one, since we still believe in celestial polygamy. We also believe there are millions or even trillions of other mormon gods and than each mormon male can potentially become a god too, complete with his own goddess wives, a planet, worshippers, etc. This depends on doing enough mormonic works. Every mormon woman can potentially become a mormonic goddess and become eternally pregnant. All told, we believe in a lot of gods.]

Joseph Smith

18 posted on 10/29/2013 4:54:44 PM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion (I grew up in America. I now live in the United States..)

I don’t understand why I hear so many attacks towards Mormons and JW’s. I certainly do not hold their theology, but they are pretty much as harmless to our culture. From what I see, the largest, and most dangerous religion of today is liberal secularism.

No one is attacking the Mormons or Jehovah Witnesses. What is being attacked is their doctrine. False doctrine is false doctrine whether it is presented by the Mormons, the Jehovah Witnesses, or liberal secularists. None of them will save your soul, so in that sense, all are equally dangerous.

19 posted on 10/29/2013 5:57:54 PM PDT by CommerceComet (Enough with politicians, this conservative is only voting for someone with courage and conviction.)

The THREE MINUTES’ HATE for today, folks ! Half truths, outright falsehoods, distortions and bigotry galore !

Nope. Just superstitious cultists arguing the finer points of their bigoted hypocrisies.....

20 posted on 10/29/2013 6:03:28 PM PDT by S.O.S121.500 (Case back hoe for sale or trade for diesel wood chipper....Enforce the Bill of Rights. It's the Law!)

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794